Rucker is helping to lead hundreds of volunteers, many of whom come from this East Oakland community. She says making over this park is about more than assembling slides and sandboxes. She says what children will take away will last a lifetime.

"Play is more than just moving your body, it's also engaging your mind and it's also socially engaging your peers, adults and others," said Rucker.

"If our kids have the opportunity to be a kid and do that through their childhood years, they'll be alright when they become adults," said Oakland City Council Member Desley Brooks. "I feel like I've been sprinkled with pixie dust," she added.

The cement still needs to cure and rubber needs to be placed over it. Once Oakland city inspectors sign off on the work, it will be open for play.